Figures Reveal that Over a Third of EU Nationals in Bedford Borough not Granted Full Settled Status
Newly-published figures have revealed that over a third of EU nationals living in Bedford Borough who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme have only been granted short-term pre-settled status. EU citizens and their families have to apply to the scheme to remain in the UK now that the UK is leaving the EU.
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have said the figures illustrate the government's betrayal of local EU Citizens. The refusal to give permanent settled status to all flies in the face of repeated promises that those already living here before the 2016 referendum would be able to stay indefinitely.
3,790 of the 10,530 people in Bedford Bedford Borough who have followed the government's guidance and applied to the new settled status scheme have been given pre-settled status rather than settled status. That means they now face a more precarious, temporary situation in which they will have to reapply for the permanent right to remain within 5 years.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Hilde Hendrickx spoke in support of local EU citizens at the last Full Council meeting. Commenting on the new figures, Cllr Hendrickx said: "The Government's callous approach on this issue is causing huge anxiety and distress for thousands of EU nationals in Bedford Borough.'
"People who have chosen to make this their home on the basis that they had a right to stay are now being made to jump through bureaucratic hoops. Even then many are only being given temporary status. This includes many children and their families, and it is simply an appalling betrayal of people who were promised that they would see no change.'
"Meanwhile many people may not be aware that their friends, neighbours and colleagues in our communities are being put through this process, in spite of the promises they were given."
10,530 people in Bedford Borough have applied for settled status, of whom 6,680 have been granted settled status, and 3,790 have been granted pre-settled status. Nationally, around a third of under-18s who have applied for settled status have only been granted the more precarious pre-settled status.
The rights and status if EU citizens living in the UK will change after 30th June 2021, and all EU nationals are strongly advised to apply to the settlement scheme as soon as possible to establish their right to remain under the new arrangements.
You can find out more about the EU Settlement Scheme and make an application at www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families